Various factors cause tooth decay, but bacteria plays the most prominent part. We should remember that we all have germs in our mouths. When this flora sits on our teeth for too long, it creates plaque, a white film made up of trillions of bacteria. The chemicals produced by these germs can erode our tooth enamel if we don’t properly care for our oral health. When these acids touch the outer layer of our teeth, they begin to form cavities. This blog post will discuss 6 simple ways to prevent cavities.
1) Brush Your Teeth Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth. Keeping your teeth clean at least twice daily, ideally, after each meal, is the best method to avoid cavities. While most people brush for about a minute, the ideal brushing time should be three times that length of time.
2) Floss Your Teeth Once a Day
It’s also critical to floss your teeth once a day and make sure you floss between all of your teeth, even if they’re in the back. Flossing enables you to reach places where your toothbrush cannot. Furthermore, by flossing between your teeth, you can ensure that little food particles remain trapped between them.
3) Eat Healthily
Nutrition is critical to a healthy dental condition. To prevent plaque from developing on your teeth, eat nutritious snacks and drink less sugary beverages. Instead, drink water. Make it a rule of thumb not to consume frequent sugary foods, including hard sweets and other meals with sugar.
4) Avoid Smoking
Smoking harms your health, dulls your smile, and raises the risk of cavities and mouth cancer. “Many individuals, especially young women, are unaware of how smoking might impact their oral health,” explains Dr. Hideono. “When you smoke, harmful chemicals enter your mouth. Bacteria cling to it and create acid as a result. It erodes tooth enamel over time, resulting in cavities and gum disease.” Coffee is indeed both a stimulant and an antioxidant, but it can also cause inflammation in the mouth and lead to certain types of oral cancer. (In 2009, 1,000 Canadians died of oral cancer.)
5) Visit Your Dentist
Only a dentist or dental x-ray can detect certain cavities. Regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist or dental hygienist are critical for preventing cavities and maintaining good oral hygiene. Consult your dentist about whether you should use extra fluoride to strengthen your teeth. A dental hygienist could give you brushing and flossing advice to know you’re doing it correctly.
6) Chew Sugar-Free Gum
If you like to snack or have a lot of nervous energy, chewing gum can help satisfy those needs. But gum contains a lot of sugar and can be bad for our teeth. On the other hand, chewing sugar-free gum can fulfill these needs and stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria or food particles.
Conclusion
Cavities are no fun, but they are preventable. You can significantly lower your chance of getting cavities and tooth decay by following the simple ways to prevent cavities outlined above. And, when our mouths are in good condition, we are less likely to visit an emergency dentist. So, now is the time to organize an appointment with your dental hygienist if you require a dental cleaning!
Looking for dental hygiene services? Book your complimentary virtual consultation with Hale Wellness Dental Studio here.